Transitioning from ERP Software Selection to ERP Implementation

Throughout my career on the “other side of the desk” I was always amazed and annoyed when a sales team for the various ERP vendors would depart, with order in hand, only to be followed some time later by their implementation team whose first words would be “tell us about your business”; so much for transition.

While our ERP selection practice isn’t selling ERP software we go to great lengths to ensure that the transition from ERP Selection (PERFECT Fit) to ERP Implementation (PERFECT Path) doesn’t have this gap.

Our ERP selection methodology has several integration points with the resulting ERP implementation. This integration builds the foundation for ramping up the ERP implementation as quickly and seamlessly as possible.

Functional Requirement Definition – Functional requirements definition is a key deliverable from the selection methodology. In implementation we create a business requirements matrix from them that is used throughout the implementation to ensure that the new ERP system is configured to meet these requirements. This may include integration of bolt-on modules to satisfy these requirements.

Technical Assessment – During ERP selection the implementation team conducts a technical fit assessment to determine how well the candidate ERP solutions meet the client’s current or planned technical architecture or best practices. We also develop an inventory of our client’s IT skills so we can plan for training or strategic resourcing decisions before the ERP implementation begins.

Implementation Implications – Also during the ERP selection, the implementation team meets with clients to discuss components that may impact the implementation. We review data migration requirements, interface requirements and potential issues related to implementation approach, i.e., geographic, functional, big bang. We also analyze the implementation plans of candidate ERP vendors to identify gaps in their approach compared to our PMBOK best practice methodology.

Financial Analysis – From the business case we have a clear perspective on the key benefits our clients expect to realize from their new ERP implementation. These measurements are the basis for our post Go Live audit. The audit reveals if and how the software is being used to derive the real business value.

10 Steps to Guide an ERP Software Selection

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Now that you have decided it is time to invest in ERP Software, it is time to make a huge decision that could greatly impact your business’s success and growth. Which Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software system should you opt to use? Use this guide to your ERP software selection.

2018 Top 12 Manufacturing ERP Systems Report

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The ERP systems featured in this report were chosen based on the strength of their manufacturing functionality as well as the amount of research and development invested in these products. We include top ERP systems for not just large companies but companies of all sizes.

Clash of the Titans 2019 Report

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SAP, Oracle, Microsoft Dynamics and Infor each provide robust ERP systems that can transform your organization. The data points in this report highlight common challenges that implementing organizations face when working with each of these ERP vendors.

The Beginner’s Guide to Digital Transformation

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Organizations today are not just implementing ERP software – they’re leveraging ERP software as part of their digital strategies and holistically addressing people, processes and technology. In other words, they’re pursuing digital business transformation by understanding the unique value of emerging and disruptive technologies. This white paper discusses six components of digital transformation that are helping organizations build competitive advantage.

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SAP vs. Oracle: A Case Study

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Deciding between SAP and Oracle is difficult. This the client needed software that would position their organization for continued growth, but internal bias put functional fit in the back seat. Ultimately, Panorama’s independence and expertise gave the client the insight necessary to make an objective decision.